Police, community and calendar briefs for Sept. 27, 2013

Published: Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 10:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 7:46 p.m.

POLICE BEAT

Report: Teacher had sex with teen

A Hernando County teacher arrested this week by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office on charges of having sex with a 16-year-old boy reportedly told detectives the two of them had sex in several places in Marion County.

Citrus officials had received information about the allegations and questioned the teenager, who acknowledged having sex with Cynthia Lynn Herr, 35, of Homosassa, according to a report.

Herr, a teacher at John D. Floyd K-8 School in Spring Hill, told detectives she and the boy had sex in several places, including Marion County, and that she knew what she was doing was wrong, the report notes.

She was arrested and taken to the Citrus County Jail.

Hernando County School Board officials said the teacher has been suspended with pay pending a board hearing Tuesday, when a recommendation will be made to suspend her without pay until her legal issues are resolved.

Man, 80, charged with retail theft

Sheriff’s deputies arrested an 80-year-old man dressed as a woman, who authorities say was caught Wednesday stealing less than a $100 worth of men’s clothing from a store.

Manuel Rodriguez was charged with retail petit theft, according to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office report.

Deputy Paul Hahn met with an asset protection officer at Walmart, 9570 SW State Road 200. The employee said he saw Rodriguez, dressed as a woman, acting suspicious in the apparel department. Rodriguez removed tags from several items and concealed them in a purse, which he had taken from a shelf, according to the report.

The employee said he followed Rodriguez, who selected a frozen food item and went to the check-out area, where he paid for it.

Rodriguez was detained as he tried to leave the store. Employees said they recovered $87.60 worth of men’s clothing from Rodriguez. The deputy said Rodriguez had more than $800 in his wallet.

Hahn arrested Rodriguez and took him to the Marion County Jail. He was released Thursday morning, shortly after midnight, on $250 bond.

Ocala teen charged in Mayo robbery

MAYO — A 17-year-old Ocala boy was charged in another county for robbing a convenience store earlier this month.

The Suwannee Democrat reported that on Sept. 10 someone robbed a store clerk at the Jiffy Food Store on East Main Street in downtown Mayo at gunpoint. A description of the gunman was given to authorities. Twelve days later, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office deputies charged the teen with armed robbery. The report said the minor was already in a juvenile facility on an unrelated charge.

COMMUNITY

Live bombing Friday at Pinecastle Range

Navy training schedules indicate live bombing will take place for intermittent periods from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest.

The city of Ocala is offering a matching grant opportunity to businesses within the Community Redevelopment Area to encourage revitalization efforts.

The city is making $100,000 available through an Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Building Revitalization and Accessibility Grant Program. The CRA’s general boundaries are Northwest 20th Street to the north, Southeast 10th Street to the south, Southeast Watula Avenue/Northeast Eighth Avenue to the east, and Pine Avenue/Highway 441 to the west.

It is the city’s intent to equally award grants within the North Magnolia and downtown sections of the CRA. The funding is available on a 50-50 matching basis and is limited to $15,000 per property. Applications will be accepted through March 7 or until the funding has been awarded, whichever comes first.

For more information, call Endira Sharma at 629-8313 or visit brgrants.ocalafl.org.

<p class="bold allcaps">POLICE BEAT</p>
<p><b>Report: Teacher had sex with teen</b></p><p>A Hernando County teacher arrested this week by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office on charges of having sex with a 16-year-old boy reportedly told detectives the two of them had sex in several places in Marion County.</p><p>Citrus officials had received information about the allegations and questioned the teenager, who acknowledged having sex with Cynthia Lynn Herr, 35, of Homosassa, according to a report.</p><p>Herr, a teacher at John D. Floyd K-8 School in Spring Hill, told detectives she and the boy had sex in several places, including Marion County, and that she knew what she was doing was wrong, the report notes.</p><p>She was arrested and taken to the Citrus County Jail.</p><p>Hernando County School Board officials said the teacher has been suspended with pay pending a board hearing Tuesday, when a recommendation will be made to suspend her without pay until her legal issues are resolved.</p><p><b>Man, 80, charged with retail theft</b></p><p>Sheriff's deputies arrested an 80-year-old man dressed as a woman, who authorities say was caught Wednesday stealing less than a $100 worth of men's clothing from a store.</p><p>Manuel Rodriguez was charged with retail petit theft, according to a Marion County Sheriff's Office report.</p><p>Deputy Paul Hahn met with an asset protection officer at Walmart, 9570 SW State Road 200. The employee said he saw Rodriguez, dressed as a woman, acting suspicious in the apparel department. Rodriguez removed tags from several items and concealed them in a purse, which he had taken from a shelf, according to the report.</p><p>The employee said he followed Rodriguez, who selected a frozen food item and went to the check-out area, where he paid for it.</p><p>Rodriguez was detained as he tried to leave the store. Employees said they recovered $87.60 worth of men's clothing from Rodriguez. The deputy said Rodriguez had more than $800 in his wallet.</p><p>Hahn arrested Rodriguez and took him to the Marion County Jail. He was released Thursday morning, shortly after midnight, on $250 bond.</p><p><b>Ocala teen charged in Mayo robbery</b></p><p>MAYO — A 17-year-old Ocala boy was charged in another county for robbing a convenience store earlier this month.</p><p>The Suwannee Democrat reported that on Sept. 10 someone robbed a store clerk at the Jiffy Food Store on East Main Street in downtown Mayo at gunpoint. A description of the gunman was given to authorities. Twelve days later, Lafayette County Sheriff's Office deputies charged the teen with armed robbery. The report said the minor was already in a juvenile facility on an unrelated charge.</p><h3>COMMUNITY</h3>
<p><b>Live bombing Friday at Pinecastle Range</b></p><p>Navy training schedules indicate live bombing will take place for intermittent periods from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest.</p><p>For noise complaints, call 1-800-874-5059.</p><p><b>Dressage clinic this weekend</b></p><p>International equine judge Gary Rockwell will hold a dressage clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Fox Grove Farm, 6445 NW 60 Ave., Ocala.</p><p>The cost to audit the clinic is $25 per day.</p><p>For more information, call 629-3310.</p><p><b> 'Purpose Driven Luncheon' Monday</b></p><p>Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn and Jef Fabian will host a “Purpose Driven Luncheon” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the Ocala Police Department Community Room, 402 S. Pine Ave.</p><p>This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.</p><p>The luncheon will feature a guest speaker sharing their personal story of overcoming addiction, as well as a discussion about services at the Centers.</p><p>For more information, email Jackie McGuinness at JMcGuinness@ocalafl.org.</p><p><b>Chances to walk or run in the county</b></p><p>Upcoming walks or runs: </p><p>Cohadjoe Park Nature Walk, by the Marion Audubon Society, 8 a.m. Monday, 4225 NE 35 St., Ocala. Walks are the last Monday of the month through April. (671-8560 or marioncountyaudubon.com)</p><p>Marion County Heart Walk, 8 a.m. Oct. 5, Baseline Road Trailhead, 4225 SE 58th Ave., Ocala. (MarionCounty@heart.org or (800-257-6941, Ext. 8018)</p><p>A Walk of Remembrance memorial event, 9 a.m. Oct. 19, Sholom Park, 6840 SW 80th Ave. Ocala. Minimum donation of $10. Proceeds support bereaved families and individuals through the Center for Hope and Healing at Hospice of Marion County. (854-5218 or visit www.hospiceofmarion.com)</p><p>Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk, 8:30 a.m. Oct. 19, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. (629-4727 or www.makingstrideswalk.org/ocala)</p><p><b>City matching grant opportunity</b></p><p>The city of Ocala is offering a matching grant opportunity to businesses within the Community Redevelopment Area to encourage revitalization efforts.</p><p>The city is making $100,000 available through an Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Building Revitalization and Accessibility Grant Program. The CRA's general boundaries are Northwest 20th Street to the north, Southeast 10th Street to the south, Southeast Watula Avenue/Northeast Eighth Avenue to the east, and Pine Avenue/Highway 441 to the west.</p><p>It is the city's intent to equally award grants within the North Magnolia and downtown sections of the CRA. The funding is available on a 50-50 matching basis and is limited to $15,000 per property. Applications will be accepted through March 7 or until the funding has been awarded, whichever comes first.</p><p>For more information, call Endira Sharma at 629-8313 or visit brgrants.ocalafl.org.</p><h3>CALENDAR</h3>
<p><b>TODAY</b></p><p>CHARITY PICNIC: To benefit Helping Hands, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Highlands Memorial Park, 1515 NE Third St., Ocala. $10. (671-6466)</p><p> </p><p>BARREL RACING: PacWest Barrel Racing, 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. Sunday, Southeastern Livestock Pavilion 2232 NE Jacksonville Road., Ocala. (239-1022 or www.pacwestbarrelracing.com/)</p><p> </p><p>CHAIR YOGA: 9:30 a.m. Friday, The Senior Wellness Community Center, 9850 SW 84 Court, Ocala. (237-2094)</p><p> </p><p>VARIETY SHOW: Live music, comedy, featuring the Orange Blossom Opry Band, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Orange Blossom Opry, 13939 SE County Road 25, Weirsdale. $10. (821-1201 or www.obopry.com)</p><p> </p><p>LINE DANCING: Beginner and intermediate for adults and teens, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Forest Community Center, 777 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. (438-2840)</p><p> </p><p>TWEEN BOOK CLUB: For ages 10-12, 3:30 p.m. Friday, Forest Public Library, 905 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. (438-3540)</p><p> </p><p><b>SATURDAY</b></p><p>MUSIC FESTIVAL: Christian and family festival, 8 a.m. Saturday, Camp McConnell, 210 SE 134 Ave, Micanopy. $15-$25. (www.lifeintheson.com</p><p> </p><p>FALL EXPO: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Ocala Hilton, 3600 SW 36th Ave, Ocala. (westmarionba.org)</p><p> </p><p>OPEN YOUR HEART: Kids Central event for those interested in becoming foster parents, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Frank Deluca YMCA, 3200 SE 17 St., Ocala. (387-3424 or 387-3472)</p><p> </p><p>DOG DAY: AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Havenlea Dog Training Centre, 4875 NW 57 Lane, Ocala. (622-9668 or www.havenleadogtraining.com)</p><p> </p><p>FRAUD DISCUSSION: Fraud, identity fheft and scams, 1 p.m. Saturday, Forest Public Library, 905 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. Reservations required. (438-3540)</p><p> </p><p>OPERATION COOKIE BOX: Collection for Operation Cookie Box, a ministry group from Church at the Springs, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Skamper's Express, 513 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala. Collecting homemade cookies, clean oval ice cream containers and names and mailing addresses of soldiers. (694-4586)</p><p> </p><p>DIAMOND JUBILEE: 60th anniversary celebration for KP Hole, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, 9435 SW 190 Ave. Road, Dunnellon. Free admission and pizza, live entertainment, face-painting, giveaways and more. (671-8560 or gina.peebles@marioncountyfl.org)</p><p> </p><p>CAR SHOW: Cub Scout Benefit Car show, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 800 SE 41st Ave., Ocala. $10 in advance, $15 day of show. (572-5551 or jonocala@cox.net)</p><p> </p><p>PANEL DISCUSSION: Humanism In The Autumn Of Life, 2 p.m. Saturday, Live Oak Hall, Master the Possibilities Education Center, 8415 SW 80th St., Ocala. Free. (861-9751)</p><p> </p><p>OUTREACH EVENT: Live worship bands, car show, free food and drinks, and more, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 6185 SE 140 St., Summerfield. (322-0705)</p><p> </p><p>OPEN HOUSE: The Ocala Model Railroaders, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 1247 NE Third St. Ocala. (401-0747 or www.ocalamodelrailroaders.com)</p><p> </p><p>YARD SALE: To benefit Sheltering Hands, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 2915 SE 11th St., Ocala. (812-5575 or 817-0663)</p><p> </p><p>BIRD WALK: 8 a.m. Saturday, Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 81 Place Road, Dunnellon. (465-8555 or president@citruscountyaudubonsociety.com)</p><p> </p><p>GARAGE SALE: To benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Quest Diagnostics, 2685 SW 32 Place, Suite 200, Ocala.</p><p> </p><p>HONKY TONKIN' OPRY: Inspirational country music, 7 p.m. Saturday, Triple Cross Ranch, 20736 NW 100th Ave. Road, Micanopy. $10. Features The Jayc Harold Band and Chuck Day. (www.honkytonkinopry.com)</p><p> </p><p><i>To submit information for this list, send an e-mail to calendar@starbanner.com or visit www.ocala.com, scroll down and click on EVENTS CALENDAR on the right.</i></p>